After posting a slightly under par total on an excellent batting wicket, Ottery St Mary 1st XI were unable to produce the consistency of bowling required to avoid defeat in last weekend’s trip to Ipplepen, writes Ian Townsend.

George Biggs and Richard Townsend (6) posted a solid 44-run opening stand for the visitors but after the latter fell to a catch at backward point off Joe Abbott, Adrian Pullin (1) was adjudged lbw to John Sewell. Biggs, who has been by far the Otters’ most consistent batsman during the current campaign, and Alex Clements compiled an excellent 88 run stand in 16 overs.

After Biggs (74) edged Kiwi all-rounder Moriz Hartmann behind to Jack Lewis, Jack Pritchard joined Clements and blasted 27 from just 15 balls before being caught off Steve Bowden. Three more late wickets fell but Clements remained unbeaten on a fine 71 as the Otters finished on a slightly disappointing 226-7.

After the early loss of Bowden (0), Hartmann and Dave Harris took the total to 41 before seamer Mark Woodman claimed two victims in quick succession. Harris (21) fell to a Will Munford catch at third slip whilst Sam DeFriend (0) was trapped lbw. Woodman claimed a third scalp by bowling Lewis (8) but an 83 run stand between Hartmann and Abbott then took the game away from the Otters.

After the former departed for 93 (85 balls, 13 x 4s, 1 x 6), a late onslaught by Sam Wakeham (32* from 27 balls) consigned the visitors to a five wicket reverse. Woodman (3-40 from 12 overs) was by far the Otters’ best bowler).